Reckless Driving Attorney in Buffalo, New York

In New York State, it is a traffic offense to drive recklessly without any regard for the safety of other road users, including automobiles and pedestrians. A defendant convicted of reckless driving may be subject to hefty fines, jail time, a criminal record, license revocation, and other social ramifications. If you've been arrested and charged with reckless driving, hiring a dependable New York State criminal defense is crucial to help build your case. 

At Michael Kuzma Attorney at Law, I'm dedicated to offering reliable representation and comprehensive legal guidance to clients in their reckless driving cases. As your attorney, I can investigate every aspect of your case and outline a solid defense strategy to help fight your charges. 

My firm – Michael Kuzma Attorney at Law – proudly serves clients across Buffalo, New York, and the surrounding suburbs as well as throughout Southern Ontario, Canada. 

Understanding "Reckless Driving" in New York  

According to New York State law – New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1212 – reckless driving occurs when a motorist drives in a "manner which unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use of the public highway, or unreasonably endangers users of the public highway." Generally, reckless driving is prohibited in New York State. A person arrested for reckless driving may be charged with a misdemeanor. 

Examples of Reckless Driving  

Some common examples of actions that may be considered as reckless driving include: 

• Speeding – traveling at 20 mph or more over the posted speed limit. 

• Driving in the wrong direction 

• Driving distracted 

• Running a police barricade 

• Hitting a pedestrian 

• Swerving in and out of traffic lanes. 

• Driving too fast 

• Failing to stop at a stop sign or traffic light. 

• Improper passing 

If you or someone you know has been arrested or indicted for reckless driving, you need to reach out to a strategic criminal defense lawyer immediately. Your legal counsel can investigate all of the facts of your case and tell you about the nature of your charges and the possible penalties. 

Possible Consequences 

The penalties for reckless driving in New York State are often far-reaching. Based on the surrounding circumstances of your case, a reckless driving conviction could result in any of these penalties and ramifications: 

• Misdemeanor conviction. 

• Massive fines and court fees. 

• Five (5) DMV points on your driving record. 

• Imprisonment (ranging from several months or years.) 

• Possible license suspension or revocation. 

• A permanent criminal record/history. 

• Increased auto insurance rates. 

• Loss of your rights to possess, carry, or own firearms. 

• Damages to professional and personal relationships. 

• Ineligibility to obtain certain financial loans. 

• Loss of scholarships or university acceptance. 

• Damage to personal reputation within the community. 

• Increased difficulty in getting accommodation or employment. 

• Driver's license suspension or revocation. 

• Increased difficulty in getting government assistance or public benefits. 

A dedicated attorney can craft an effective defense strategy to fight your reckless driving charges and help you avoid the devastating punishments of a criminal conviction. 

Possible Defenses 

When facing reckless driving charges, your lawyer can help fight the false accusations against you using any of the following legal defenses: 

• You weren't the driver of the motor vehicle. 

• You were driving recklessly due to an emergency situation or out of necessity. 

• The traffic stop was illegal. 

• The evidence against you is inaccurate. 

• There is an alternative explanation for your driving behavior. 

• The radar gun or device wasn't correctly calibrated. 

• Miranda violations or improper interrogation. 

• The arresting officer violated your civil rights. 

• There is no evidence that you were driving recklessly. 

A knowledgeable traffic law attorney can assess every aspect of your case, fight to uphold your driving privileges, or help negotiate a reduced penalty with the prosecutor. 

How Legal Counsel Can Help 

A criminal conviction for reckless driving in New York State could potentially jeopardize your driving privileges, personal reputation, freedom, eligibility for public assistance, and professional opportunities. In addition, you may accumulate demerit DMV points, be subject to increased insurance rates, or your driver's license may be revoked. Therefore, if you're under investigation for driving recklessly, you should retain a strategic criminal defense attorney right away to protect your driving record. 

At Michael Kuzma Attorney at Law, I have the knowledge, diligence, and skill to defend and represent individuals facing reckless driving charges. With my in-depth legal understanding, I can guide you through the New York State criminal defense system. In addition, I will represent you diligently at the traffic court, dispute the allegations against you with factual evidence, and improve your prospects of a better tomorrow.